My letter in support of Hate Crime Awareness Week

“We live in difficult times and it’s ever more important that every person, no matter their background, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, beliefs or ethnicity, should be allowed to live their lives free of the fear of being abused or attacked because of who they are. It’s not only a human right, it also makes our society function better. Our towns, cities, and countryside are happier, more secure places when we accept and enjoy diversity.

We all have to take responsibility. Communities are already working in partnership to combat hate crime and support those who have been targeted. But as individuals, we must take action too and be positive about the value that those differences bring to our lives.”